The Hindu : Congress is like the British: Advani

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 04, 2004

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Congress is like the British: Advani

HARYANA, MARCH 3. The Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, today equated the Congress with the British, saying both "downgraded" everything great about India.

Mr. Advani, who hit the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign trail in Haryana ruled by his party's former ally, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), told a rally here that Congress criticism of the "India Shining Campaign" prompted him to recollect the colonial rejection of Indian culture, faiths and ``everything that was great about the country.''

``As an Indian I feel proud of all my country's achievements. This sentiment is unfortunately absent in the Congress,'' he said.

He recalled India's victory in the 1971 war, saying that it was the BJP leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who praised the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, most while being in the Opposition. ``Have a look at all the newspapers of that time and you will find Mr. Vajpayee showering her with praises for that victory.''

Mr. Advani cited the growth of road and telephone networking in the country during the past five years to support the BJP's bid to retain power at the Centre, saying projects taken by the Vajpayee Government were miles ahead of those carried out by the Congress during its 40-year rule.

He did not spare the Haryana Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala, whose INLD had severed ties with the BJP, saying that there was no third force in the State. ``If you are satisfied with us then vote for the BJP, if not support the Congress but remember that there is no third force in the State.''

UNI

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